The 2010 Dodge Dakota ST Ext. Cab is a no-frills work truck that offers plenty of capability and value. The Dakota ST's Extended Cab seats 4 or 5 passengers and is backed up by a 6.5-fo...
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The 2010 Dodge Dakota ST Ext. Cab is a no-frills work truck that offers plenty of capability and value. The Dakota ST's Extended Cab seats 4 or 5 passengers and is backed up by a 6.5-foot-long bed.

Like all Dakota ST trims, the Ext. Cab is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine. Making 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, the powerplant mates to a four-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. While serving up adequate power, the Dakota ST's basic drivetrain is noisy and unrefined. Payload capacity is 1,810 pounds, and the Dakota ST Ext. Cab can tow up to 4,950 pounds.

Standard equipment in the Dakota ST Ext. Cab includes air conditioning, power steering, and rear-wheel antilock brakes. The interior is roomy, if undistinguished, and offers plenty of storage spaces.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn Ext. Cab (called the Lonestar in Texas) represents a substantial step up from the base ST trim. The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Extended Cab features a 4- or 5...
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The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn Ext. Cab (called the Lonestar in Texas) represents a substantial step up from the base ST trim. The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Extended Cab features a 4- or 5-passenger cabin and a 6-foot-6-inch cargo bed.

For 2010 the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab features a wheezy 3.7-liter V6 as standard equipment. Despite pumping out 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, the base V6 lacks enthusiasm and is hampered by a low-tech four-speed automatic transmission. The optional 4.7-liter V8 motor is strongly recommended; its 302 hp and five-speed automatic transmission greatly improve the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's performance. The rear wheels are driven via an open 8.25-inch axle, and a limited-slip unit is optional.

The Bighorn/Lonestar trim greatly upgrades the Dakota's complement of comfort and convenience features. Power windows, door locks, and mirrors are all standard, as are keyless entry and cruise control. The exterior is dressed up with 17-inch alloy wheels and body-color trim.

Offering seating for 5 full-size adults, the 2010 Dodge Dakota ST Crew Cab trades a large bed for a spacious cabin with four forward-opening doors. Its truncated 5-foot-4-inch bed featu...
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Offering seating for 5 full-size adults, the 2010 Dodge Dakota ST Crew Cab trades a large bed for a spacious cabin with four forward-opening doors. Its truncated 5-foot-4-inch bed features a two-position tailgate for easy loading.

The only engine available in the Dakota ST Crew Cab is Dodge's rather gritty 3.7-liter V6. With a larger, heavier Crew Cab frame to move around, the base engine doesn't feel so lively, and an old-tech four-speed automatic transmission doesn't help matters. The rear wheels are driven via an open 8.25-inch rear axle.

Generous space is provided inside the Dakota ST Crew Cab; front and rear passengers are treated to plenty of leg, head, and elbow room. Standard air-conditioning and a basic CD stereo make the basic ST Crew more livable, but those looking for power features or leather seats will need to step up to the BigHorn or Laramie trim level.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab offers cabin space aplenty and strong pulling power when equipped with the optional V8 engine. Featuring a 5-foot-4-inch cargo box, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab can shoulder a 1,660 pound payload and is able to tow up to 7,050 pounds.

The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's Crew Cab configuration provides space aplenty for 5 or 6 passengers. The rear bench seat is comfortable, easily accessed via the full-size rear doors, and features cleverly designed storage space under the cushion. As the Dakota's mid-level trim, the Bighorn/Lonestar features power windows, cruise control, and keyless entry standard.

Base power is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Unrefined and down on power, the V6 is ill-suited to moving the 4,350-pound Dakota Crew Cab around. Buyers should strongly consider the torquey, 4.7-liter V8 engine, which costs less than $1,000 and greatly improves acceleration and hauling capacity.

The only engine in the 2010 Dakota ST Ext. Cab 4WD is Dodge's rather coarse 3.7-liter V6. Making 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, the V6 is mated to a low-budget four-speed automatic transmission. All four wheels are driven via a part-time electronic 4WD system that is controlled via a cabin-mounted switch.

Payload capacity for the Dakota ST Ext. Cab 4WD is 1,630 pounds, and the truck can tow up to 4,750 pounds when properly equipped. The basic level of standard equipment includes air conditioning, a single-CD stereo, and power steering.

For 2010 Dodge's Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD strikes a good balance between capability and value. In the midsize truck market, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD is alone...
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For 2010 Dodge's Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD strikes a good balance between capability and value. In the midsize truck market, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Ext. Cab 4WD is alone in offering V8 power and the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds.

The 2010 Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar (the latter designation is used only in Texas) Extended Cab features seating for 4 or 5 passengers and can carry up to 1,610 pounds of payload in its 6-foot-6-inch cargo bed. The standard 3.7-liter V6 engine drives all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. An optional 4.7-liter V8 with a five-speed transmission is highly recommended.

The Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar's 4WD system uses an electronic, shift-on-the-fly arrangement that can be actuated from the cabin. The Dakota's generous ground clearance and low-range transfer case translate to excellent off-road ability. As the mid-level trim, the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar features an upgraded interior with power accessories, cruise control, and keyless entry.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota ST Crew Cab 4WD offers plenty of space and an accomplished off-road resume. The Dakota ST Crew Cab features a spacious interior with comfortable, supportive seating for either 5 or 6 passengers.

As the Dakota's powerful V8 engine is not available in base trims, the ST Crew Cab 4WD must make do with a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine. Overburdened by the truck's hefty 4,300-pound curb weight, the thrashy V6 struggles to keep up with traffic. The rather crude engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels via an electronic, shift-on-the-fly transfer case.

While not cut out for towing, the Dakota ST Crew Cab 4WD can handle a respectable 1,500-pound payload. The value-leader ST trim skimps on many up-market features, but still offers air conditioning and a CD stereo standard.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab 4WD comes fully equipped for off-roading, towing, or just around-town errand running. Featuring a 5-foot-4-inch cargo bed and a full cabi...
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The 2010 Dodge Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab 4WD comes fully equipped for off-roading, towing, or just around-town errand running. Featuring a 5-foot-4-inch cargo bed and a full cabin with four forward-opening doors the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab is a versatile hauler.

The Bighorn/Lonestar's standard powertrain, a 3.7-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, lacks the grunt neccessary to move the 4,500-pound pickup with any enthusiasm. The optional 4.7-liter V8 motor and the five-speed automatic gearbox that comes with it merit close consideration. Four-wheel drive, in the form of a part-time, shift-on-the-fly arrangement, enables the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew Cab to venture far into the brush.

Power windows, locks, and mirrors are all standard in the Dakota Bighorn/Lonestar Crew. Also included are keyless entry, air conditioning, and electronic cruise control. Options include a power driver's seat, upgraded stereo with 6-CD changer, and a sliding rear window.

As the top trim level in its model range, Dodge's 2010 Dakota Laramie Crew Cab is chock full of comfort and convenience features. The spacious Crew Cab configuration provides ample spac...
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As the top trim level in its model range, Dodge's 2010 Dakota Laramie Crew Cab is chock full of comfort and convenience features. The spacious Crew Cab configuration provides ample space for 5 or 6 passengers and can carry up to 1,600 pounds of payload in its 5-foot-4-inch cargo bed.

Befitting its status as the top trim level, the Dakota Laramie Crew Cab features a number of luxurious standard features. The truck's exterior is dressed up with stylish 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim. Inside the Laramie Crew features supple leather upholstery, a powerful Alpine stereo with 6-CD changer, and a 6-way power driver's seat.

Optimized for rough going the 2010 Dakota TRX Crew Cab 4WD features an impressive range of off-road capabilities. Available only with the Crew Cab, the TRX trim level equips the Dakota ...
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Optimized for rough going the 2010 Dakota TRX Crew Cab 4WD features an impressive range of off-road capabilities. Available only with the Crew Cab, the TRX trim level equips the Dakota with electronic, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD).

A standard 4.7-liter V8 engine churns out a healthy 302 hp, enabling the Dakota TRX Crew Cab to tow up to 6,700 pounds. A five-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered, and it drives all four wheels through a driver-actuated part-time transfer case.

The TRX trim adds a host of essential off-road features to the Dakota chassis. A limited-slip rear axle is standard, as are revised shocks and a set of under-body skid plates. The interior of the Dakota TRX features a six-way power driver's seat, power windows and locks, and an overhead console with trip computer.

Offering style and comfort in spades, the 2010 Dakota Laramie Crew Cab 4WD is loaded with every feature in Dodge's arsenal. The large cabin provides generous accommodation for 5 or 6 pa...
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Offering style and comfort in spades, the 2010 Dakota Laramie Crew Cab 4WD is loaded with every feature in Dodge's arsenal. The large cabin provides generous accommodation for 5 or 6 passengers, while the 5-foot-4-inch cargo bed can handle up to 1,340 pounds of payload.

While the standard 3.7-liter V6 engine looks good on paper, with 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, it's hampered by a low-tech four-speed automatic transmission that can't cope with the real-world demands of powering a 4,669-pound truck. An optional 4.7-liter V8 greatly improves acceleration and enables the Dakota Crew Cab 4WD to tow up to 6,750 pounds. Power is transmitted to the road via a part-time 4WD system with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case.